Davao Gulf & Samal Island · Philippines · Wreck
Pearl Farm Wrecks
Two Japanese hulls from the Second World War off Samal Island
The Pearl Farm Wrecks are a pair of Japanese vessels from the Second World War lying off Samal Island in the Davao Gulf. The site bottoms out at 25 m and can carry strong currents, which makes it a wreck dive for divers comfortable in moving water.
Also known as Pearl Farm Wreck.
Where it is and how deep
7.0279° N, 125.7129° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Two sunken Japanese vessels from World War II make up the dive, and the deepest point among the hulls is 25 m. The hulls have become artificial reefs, with lionfish and barracudas around them and the occasional reef shark. Strong currents can sweep across the wreck site, and the dive is recommended with a guide for that reason.
The wreck
- Vessel
- Two Japanese vessels
- Type
- Japanese vessels of the Second World War
- Cause
- Not recorded
- Lies
- Two hulls off Samal Island, with the deepest point of the site at 25 m
Marine life and season
- Barracuda
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Davao Gulf & Samal Island: November to May is the best window for diving around Samal Island.
Know before you go
- Strong currents are possible over the wrecks; diving with a guide is recommended.
Dive videos
Samal Island, Davao (Japanese Shipwreck) · StormRiders on YouTube
Sources
More dive sites in Davao Gulf & Samal Island
Reef
A shallow reef slope off Talikud Island, named for its resident angelfish
A vertical wall of soft corals and gorgonians on Samal's west coast
Reef
Mushroom-shaped rock formations off Samal's south-eastern tip
Wall
Black corals and gorgonians under the overhangs of a sanctuary wall
Pinnacle
A current-swept pinnacle beside the Ligid Caves
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